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As you know in October I was charged with over 80 blood alcohol level.

Immediately after this I was having difficulty accepting what had happened. The media pressure was unrelenting and I was getting advice from dozens of people about what I should do. I listened to that advice, instead of listening to my heart. That is why initially I was going to plead not guilty.

I made a bad choice. In my heart, I've always known that.

I've taken time over Christmas from all of you, from all the people, to spend time with myself, to reconnect with myself, to hear my heart.

I made a bad choice - I take full responsibility for that - and I accept the consequences.

I want to take this opportunity to apologize to my friends, thank them for the many calls I received, the good will.

To my family, to my mom and dad and my sister, it wasn't very easy to have your dad calling you asking what certain words in the newspaper meant about you so it was hard for all of us and I thank them for always being there with me.

I want to thank the residents of Ward 18 and anyone I've let down.

So today I appeared in court and entered a plea of guilty to the charges. The court and Crown have accepted that plea and I was given a driving prohibition of 12 months and will pay a fine of $1,000.

I do not and have never condoned drinking and driving. And this situation has made me intimately aware of the dangers this behavior can cause. For the hurt and offense I caused others I again sincerely apologize.

The only thing I ask is for people to learn from my example. The decisions you make in a single moment can have life altering consequences. I felt in control when I made the decision to drive that night but regardless of how in control you feel, one drink is too many.

I should have weighed it against the potential risk of others. My decision today is about being true to myself and my conscience.

I feel I can return to my constituents, to the issues in my community and the issues that we need to work (on) at City Hall.